A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT regarding implementation of the 1915(c) medicaid waiver for individuals with traumatic brain injury.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  Beginning October 1, 2017, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) shall report quarterly to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Medicaid and NC Health Choice, the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services, the chairs of the Senate Appropriations on Health and Human Services, the chairs of the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations, Health and Human Services, and the Fiscal Research Division on the status and implementation of the 1915(c) waiver for individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) that has been submitted to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid in accordance with Section 12H.6 of S.L. 2015‑241.
As part of the process of implementing the TBI waiver, DHHS shall adopt rules or medical coverage policies relating to service programs for individuals with traumatic brain injury, including setting standards that ensure that individuals with brain injuries who require residential treatment receive appropriate, effective, and high‑quality treatment in community‑based residential settings. Additionally, DHHS shall develop a best practice model system that includes a comprehensive continuum of care and an array of short‑term and long‑term treatments, rehabilitation options, and home and community support services as part of the TBI waiver. Finally, DHHS shall strive to maintain adequate reimbursement rates for residential and community‑based care programs that serve individuals with traumatic brain injury, which will aid in attracting and retaining quality and highly specialized providers and programs into North Carolina.
SECTION 2.   This act is effective when it becomes law.